R.O.C.K. in the USA
The Early Years of Rock & Roll – 1950’s
This episode looks at what led to the beginning of Rock & Roll, such as the musical precursors like Big Band music, Country music, & Rhythm & Blues. How the term Rock & Roll came about, and the early stars like Chuck Berry, Elvis, Buddy Holley, Little Richard and many more.
Lots of YouTube video clips, songs, dancing and audience interaction.
Duration: 90 minutes
The Boom Years of Rock & Roll – the 1960’s
This episode looks at what factors led to the explosion of Rock & Roll during the 1960’s, and how diverse the music was during that decade. Bands like the Beach Boys, the Girl Groups, Black solo artists, all were very popular. We also compare the different record recording hot spots such as Los Angeles, NYC, Detroit, and Memphis. We wrap up the 60’s with Woodstock.
Lots of YouTube video clips, songs, dancing and audience interaction.
Duration: 90 minutes
Three Legendary Bands of the 1970’s
This episode looks at 3 super groups of the 70’s. CTA/Chicago, Steely Dan, and The Eagles. We examine how each band came together, progressed and how each band’s music evolved during the 70’s. All 3 bands had very distinctive music, but all three were committed to EXCELLENCE! The success of these bands is unmatched in record sales as the total sales for these 3 bands is over 340,000,000 records.
Lots of YouTube video clips, songs, dancing and audience interaction.
Duration: 90 minutes
The Black Culture Influence on Rock & Roll
This episode looks at the effect of Black Culture on the evolution of Rock & Roll. Rhythm & Blues music promoted dancing, which factored into the way that Rock & Roll songs were structured. Also, Black artists such as, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Tina Turner, Jimi Hendrix, & Sly and the Family Stone had a huge effect on Rock & Roll music.
Lots of YouTube video clips, songs, dancing and audience interaction.
Duration: 90 minutes
The Women’s Influence on Rock & Roll
This episode looks at women’s influence on the evolution of Rock & Roll. From Sister Rosetta Tharpe in the 1940’s, Carol King’s song writing & Black Girl Groups of the 1960’s, to Grace Slick & Janice Joplin of the 70’s. Many of these female artists were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; and some twice.
Lots of YouTube video clips, songs, dancing and audience interaction.
Duration: 90 minutes
The British Invasion – 1964 thru 1966
This episode looks back at the British Invasion starting with the Beatles and the many British bands that followed them to America. We will examine how The Beatles music changed the Rock & Roll landscape. We also look at the other British bands such as the Dave Clark Five, the Hollies, the Animals, Kinks and other British bands that became popular in America.
Lots of YouTube video clips, songs, dancing and audience interaction.
Duration: 90 minutes
Three Music Meccas of the 1960’s & 1970’s (coming late 2026)
Three geographical areas, Greenwich Village in NYC, the Laurel Canyon of Los Angeles, the Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco all had a major role in the development of the 60’s counter culture. We will explore how each of these vibrant hotspots spawned their own distinctive musical styles, and the part they played in the development of the 60’s counter culture.
Lots of video clips, music, interesting facts, and audience participation.
Duration: 90 minutes
All programs can be shortened to 60 minutes if needed.